Definition of separationnext
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as in distinction
the state of being kept distinct the separation of church and state is an important concept in the United States

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in divider
something that divides, separates, or marks off a filing cabinet with lots of adjustable separations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of separation For his reporting on the child-separation policy, Soboroff received the Walter Cronkite Award for Individual Achievement by a National Journalist and the Hillman Prize for Broadcast Journalism. Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026 Prior to dating Hader, Wong was married to former Fulbright scholar Justin Hakuta, also 43, from November 2014 until their separation in April 2022. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026 Trump’s time in office has obliterated the pretense that there’s any meaningful separation between the state and corporate interests. Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026 Per The Hollywood Reporter, Geffen helped Cher remove herself from her business ties to Bono during their separation. Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separation
Noun
  • Saudi Arabia hails the dissolution as a win for regional stability and plans a Riyadh conference to address southern Yemen’s political future.
    Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Upon the dissolution of their longstanding, often turbulent arrangement with the Baltimore Orioles’ Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, the Washington Nationals are also in the hunt for a new local TV home.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Critics say those distinctions are arbitrary and unfair, being based on outdated assumptions and bad science.
    Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • There is a subtle but important distinction that bears discussion.
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • This divergence is thought to have occurred between 550,000 and 750,000 years ago.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • City officials say Tuesday's fire underscores the ongoing risks at the site and reinforces their call for broader state-level reform to address enforcement gaps at mobile home parks.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Of course, choosing an insurance option that balances financial constraints with solid coverage is by no means simple, and many owners purchase policies that either cost more than necessary or have coverage gaps.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • So many questions remain unanswered about his messy departure from Nottingham Forest in September last year.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This hardside spinner from Original Penguin is equipped with a zippered divider panel on one side and tight compression garment straps on the other to keep clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other belongings in their place, before, during, and after your departure and arrival.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Use containers, bins, drawer dividers, or shelves to keep each category of items together.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Mafuko’s mother was killed in 2007 and in 2013, during the split of Kabirizi family, Mafuko joined the Bageni family.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Per People, the split is amicable with no major turmoil leading up to it.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Galgiardi says Abasciano plans on filing claims for damages, disability discrimination and religious discrimination against the department.
    Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The commission also investigates complaints of discrimination and harassment, and looks into issues regarding employment, housing, education and credit.
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Separation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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